JCLingo - How Was Your Test

[nanci]

How was your scope on Friday - did the doctor give you
a diagnosis?  How are you feeling?

[Lynn28]

LOL. Yes, I meant free of caffeine. Too funny. A complementary doctor is a doctor who treats conventionaly (meds) as well as alternative. Together. Search complementary doctor. You will see. As for a juicer, I use a blender. I pour a cip of soy milk and "Any" kind of fruit I have around. Blend and drink. I might use half yogurt and soy, or half soy and water. Throw in some frozen organic berries. Fresh is better, but with berries, I use frozen at times, only because they go bad fast. I use fresh though as well. Berries, a banana, a cut up apple, a cut up peach. Whatever fruit you have around or like. Nothing acidic though, like grapefruit, oranges, etc, etc. and besides, blueberries have more vitamin-c than any other fruit, especially the orange. They are LOADED with C which is good for gastritis. I drink a shake every morning on my way to work! Do a search on, "Smoothies for gastritis". You'll get some great recipes.

-Jenn

[nanci]

Thanks for the links - I did a quick search and there are a few alternative docs in my area - what is a complementary doctor?  

Did you mistype when you said to drink tea with caffine in it?  I've been drinking decaffinated Chamomile tea!  I only have a few cups a day.

I ordered the marshmellow root tea from:

http://www.myvitanet.com/seelorteas.html

I need to buy a juicer - which brand do you use.

[Lynn28]

Good morning!

I was unable to send the link, but if you go under aol health and click message boards and than click search, you will come up with a lot of herbal info for gastritis. Which site did you order from? The absolute best place to find a complementary doctor is here.

http://www.healthy.net/asp/templates/center.asp?centerid=53

Go to the box and click on all of the following. One at a time. Each one is a search for that particular doctor. I advise the complementary physician first. They treat BOTH alternative and convetional at the same time. Also, click on naturopathic, and holistic. This will allow you to search for any of those doctors in your area. ALSO, the acam.com is GREAT for a complemetary doctor. At the bottom of the doctors name are abbreviations. At the bottom of the page, you will find what they mean. Good luck, and let me know the name of that site in which you ordered the tea. Now don't drink too much tea today, especially if it's not an herbal one. One good for gastritis and MAKE sure it's caffeine tea. Did you eat something first? Always a good idea. My breakfast every morning is a shake in which I make myself. Very healthy and yummy ;-)

-Jenn

[nanci]

The evening went nicely - we went to a small italian restaurant and sat outside.  I didn't order any wiine, just had water.  The meal was great.  I stayed away from pasta dishes and had my reliable staple, chicken!  Remarkably, I feel okay this morning.  Didn't wake with any bad burning and feel fine now but of course, I only had a sip of water this morning and about to get a cup of tea.

I somewhat agree with you - in my anxiety to try anything, especially natural stuff, I now have a counter of different enzymes and supplements.  I've always taken Evening Primose and Biotin and have been for years.  I have some liquid iron I find tolerable.  I think I am totally run down.

If I don't have a bacteria and I suspect I don't, my only best guess is this started when I took Advil in mega doses in April to alleviate pain in my arm, which I thought was bruised only to find out a month later that it was really broken.  So, I think the stress of all that coupled with taking the Advil but me into a tailspin.  I've had this condition off and on for seven years but never this bad for this long.  I hope I hear from the doctor today and I'll ask about Protonix.  I am also going to search for an alternative doctor in my area - I agree, I want to take what's best for gastritis.  I ordered the tea on line last week and hopefully, it will arrive soon.

Thanks again, I feel like I've made a friend - too bad it's under these circumstances.  By the way, can you send the link to that suppport group you mentioned.

[JCLingo]

Well it has been 4 days since my scope and I'm still having problems with watery diarrhea, burning in chest, and sinus drainage (post nasal drip).  I just don't know what to do.  I ate a plain turkey sandwich last night for supper and was having to swallow Mylanta before bedtime, it was burning so bad.  I just don't know what to do.  I'm going at lunch to buy some Immodium and either Zantac or Tagament.  Any opinions on which of these are better are appreciated.

[nanci]

Well, I read both links and now wonder what the real problem is, too much acid or too little!  I'm not anti medication but I definately want to take the right medicine!  If I have too little acid, then I shouldn't be taking any type of acid blocker but should be taking digestive enzymes.  If I have too much acid, it still warns against taking acid blockers so I guess the concensus is not to take them period!  So, what's a layperson to do.  I don't have the lifestyle or energy to put into this much self healing.  It sure is easier to take a pill and hope it works as opposed to planning the right meal, spending $$$ on different supplements and herbs, giving up every single thing you've enjoyed your life like one single cup of coffee in the AM!

I have so many types of digestive enzymes at home and each time I try a regimen of taking them when eating, I get all kinds of symtoms similar to bad heartburn so in essence, I can't tell if it's the enzymes, the antacids, or the gastritis!  Taking the Axid twice a day helps some, not much but it's better than the Nexium.

I'm suppose to have dinner tonite with a neighbor and she just called suggesting this new Italian restaurant!  Great, italian food - nice and spicey and can I enjoy a glass of wine, I think not!  And, I'm tired from being up since 4AM, I'm ready to tear off my bra because it's sore under my breastbone, the burning won't let up in my back and life is suppose to be good!  I am totally confused on what to do and the damn doctor hasn't called yet again today.  Thanks for listening Jenn....

[Lynn28]

Here's another good one. Too funny. I have to print this one for the GI........Have to love that "OOPs" after each line.

http://www.naturalhealthnotebook.com/Health_Issues/Antacids.htm

[Bionic Granny]

Oops, my bi-focals are really bad. I gave you my opinion on the endoscope on the wrong day. Any way I do hope you seek another opinion. I was put on anti-depression meds, because of all the surgeries I had and may have. Your doctor should look at other organs, because pain can radiate from other organs, but feels like it's in another. I had throat problems and severe pain, but it turned out that my pain was actually at the base of my esphogus where it empties into the stomach. I had no reflux-valve left. Not all doctors see the same thing when they look down with the scope. Ask him if he took pictures. If he did, take them to another gastro and see what he says. Pictures can say alot about your stomach and he just might be missing it. I had a doctor tell me it was IBS. Guess what---I had to have a nissan done and it worked ---just had a FEW complications. We are fixing the kinks, but I would do it all over again, to be able to eat foods I had given up and to lay flat on my stomach and sleep. I've heard some of you mention sludge---they say I have no stones, but I have this burning and stabbing pain across my tummy. Will be having a CT/with contrast to check for another hernia on Wednesday.
I hope you are doing better.

[Lynn28]

Nanci-

I do hear that frustration. As for all the supplements you have sitting on your counter, don't take them. It's "Best" to find the "Cause" first. This way you know what you are "Really" treating, not trying to figure it out on your own and possibly making things worse. Ask about the acid test and perhaps trying a GOOD naturalist or nutritionist for treating the gastritis and NOT trying to on your own. Also, maybe another internist like a DO? There has to be someone out there for you. GI's aren't the only ones that can help with digestive disorders. Keep searching and DON'T give up. If I were you, I would definitely not take a single supplement, but rather the tea I suggested after meals. Not as harsh. Supplements can reak havic on your gastritis and really make things worse. Most who talk abot them are GERD sufferers, gastritis is something completely different. That board can be very helpful, but "Remember", most have something completely different than yourself and I, therefore, what they speak about may be good for Gerder's, but NOT for gastritis! Try searching for a gastritis support group. I found that on aol, there's the message boards about alternative health and under the digestive section a lot of gastritis sufferers speak about the differnt herbs and teas. It's the same as in ALL the books published about alternative treatments for, "Gastritis". (E.g) Aloe, slippery elm, marshmallow, green tea, chamomile, golden seal, etc, etc. Herbs, but a nice tea form and "Caffaine Free". Keep me posted.

-Jenn

[Lor]

Is the diarrhea an on going problem for you? I had a sphincterotomy done for sphincter of oddi dysfunction - it caused me to have diarrhea for several months. I was finally put on questran at bed time and haven't had the problem since. I was told it was because the bile was going straight into the intestines instead of through the gallbladder first. Its a problem that is suppose to fix on it's own.

[JCLingo]

The diarrhea started the morning after the scope (8/3) and has continued every day since.  My gallbladder was removed.  It hasn't been an ongoing problem since I will have a week of where I'm feeling great and having normal bm's.  So, it has returned since the scope.  I hope it will work itself out soon.  Do you think it will be OK to take Immodium AD?

[5,6,7,8]

Lor,   Could you explain what a spincterotomy is?  How do they do it,... during a scope??  What duct is it done on?  Is it ever done on the pylorus?  Thanks.

[Lynn28]

Ooops. Forgot to leave the URL.

http://www.google.com/search?q=Chronic+Gastritis+%2BHypochlorhydria&hl=en&lr=&ie=ISO-8859-1

[Lynn28]

I was never really afraid to order from the menu, I just did. It was only a few weeks where I was unable to eat because of severe burning, but I still forced myself and I would say within a few weeks after that, I was eating normal, AFTER the protonix. I still am eating normal, just about whatever, but maybe I just put up with the after effects, but it's honestly not that bad. I don't have reflux, even though my doctor thinks I do, so eating isn't really a problem. It never was. I always had strange symptoms. I can eat before I go to bed and I'm fine. The other night I made french test at around 10 and I was fine. Last night I made brownies, again fine. My ONLY problem was a slight soreness in the pit (upper) part of my stomach and this happens even when I don't eat. If it's there, it's there, if it is not, it's not, food doesn't matter and it never has. Very STRANGE to say the least. I'm going to request another scope I think in another few weeks or so. So we'll see. I also never really had any side affects from the PPI's, but the others always seemed to make my stomach burn worse when I took them. Maybe I don't have ENOUGH acid. This does happen as we age, but it's especially common in older women. There's a test for this. I think it's the hiedlburg test (sp) Something worth checking into. For you, it may be lack of acid as well.

[nanci]

So if it's lack of acid, why in the world would a doctor prescribe a PPI to stop acid!  I am a bit older than you so again, you may have hit on something.

You're not still taking Protonix are you?  I thought I read that you stopped.

It doesn't matter whether I drink water or eat soup, it burns but the burning isn't as bad as it was last month, meaning, the intensity isn't bad.  Last month it made me sick to my stomach, right now, it just burns.

What's your take on the anxiety side of it - the talk on the other board about taking anti-despressents?  Do you have an opinion?

[Lynn28]

I don't know what to believe anymore. I've done MUCh reading on the causes of gastritis as well as reflux and have found a lot based on lack of acid production. They say that gastritis actually causes the stomach to produce less acid. I wish I had saved it all, but I did do a search for you and you may want to take a look. Try to read the second on. "Altered states".

-Jenn

[nanci]

JC - I bet the diarrhea is from the scope.  It took me 3-4 days to feel okay.  I was having severe stomach cramps and felt worse after the scope then before.  I'm okay now but still have burning throughout the day, off and on, and especially when I first wake in the morning.  I was up at 4AM today with burning.  I don't know if it's waking me up or I'm just not sleeping well for other reasons.  But, if I had to measure it from last month to now, I feel better in August than I did in July, if that makes sense.  Still no word from the doctor on my biopsy.  My aggravating symptoms now are a constant burning across my back but I contribute this to sitting at my desk and reaching for the mouse.  And an overall tiredness and especially weakness in my legs when I get up from sitting, I feel real wobbly.  I'm beginning to sound like a hyperchondriac!

Hi Jenn, we are cropping up everywhere!  Maybe we can get JC on the Heartburn board!  In fact, I think it was you who gave me the link to that board.  I agree with you, the more you research, the worse off you can be.  I was pretty excited about Protonix until I started readig the side effects others are having.  But, I had side effects on Nexium and others thought it was great.  I wanted to ask you, how long did it take for you to be healed?  Like I said, I'm feeling better now and been doing it with just OTC stuff.  How did you measure when you felt you were good enough to go out for a dinner and not be afraid to order from the menu!

[Lynn28]

Boy, we are everywhere. LOL  Here's what does it for me. Here's a quote from you.

"Thinking there is something terribly wrong when it's "only gastritis" . My thing is this. If I had NEVER looked up the meaning to gastritis, I'd probably be going through my days just fine, not worrying about a thing, but knowing that it's only gastritis can turn into errosive gastritis and even cancer is what freaks me. How dare the doctor say it's "Only Gastritis". Knowing that is enough to make the anxiety go through the roof. Maybe the type of gastritis that last a few weeks to a few months and than disapears is no big deal, but when it lasts and lasts and lasts and so on and so forth, it's a problem and NOT just gastritis. We'll figure it it out, but the next time your doctor says something like that to you, ask him if cancer is "Oh, it's only cancer, or oh, it's only errosive". The nerve of doctors these days. Perhaps we should go to medical school, maybe than we will all have piece of mind ;-)

-Jenn

[Lor]

I thought I'd write and let you know - when I had my gallbladder removed - I had horrible pain in my stomach/chest area with the majority being just below the sturnum. It took me a year and a half before I could get help. I had 3 EDG's, 2 CT, 2 gastric emptying scans, and an ERCP. All came back normal. The Drs thought I was complaining just to complain. I too was given antidepressants - mine was to help me sleep. I was told over and over it was IBS take metamucil. One Dr said it could be the fibriod I had on my uterus (they found that on a CT)When I questioned why would the pain be up much higher. He said he didn't know and perhaps they are learning the path of pain. It was all bull. When they don't know they treat you like you are the one that doesn't know. I knew I was hurting and went from Dr to DR to find help. My point is perhaps you should move on and find someone that can help you. Having sludge in your gallbladder is a big pre- sign of SOD. People who get SOD usually never had stones. Try looking it up sphincter of oddi dysfunction.

[AnnaM]

I just had GB surgery July 2nd & still have some issues too. I work with 4 people who had GB surgery & since the surgery I have met many others. 99% say it took them a good year to be able to digest food & feel better.

The sinus problems you spoke of; The post nasal drip: This is very common for acid reflux. Have you tried just plain old Zantac? That really worked for me.

And the way the doctor treated you re; the scope test: I ave had way too many surgeries & tests to know that this in not uncommon. I got to the point where I tell them to write down what their diagnosis is because I won't remember it. I had the upper cope test before my GB surgery & he wrote down "IBS..Learn how to relax...need anti-depressants for the pain." I got mad too. I went back to my GP & he too agreed with me that it wasn't IBS or stress related. Then the Pipida test revealed GBI had a very low function rate & was the cause of my pain.

So don't let this go by just because one doctor says something. Truth is, 7 doctors missed my GB Dx over a year.

I am now scheduled for a colonoscopy on Aug 16th. I made another post a few days ago (LRQ pain after GB surg) ..but no one replied..LOL..I was kind of disappointed but figured I'd still reply to m own post & keep it updated until I found out what was wrong with me. Just in case someone else stumbles on this site desparately looking for similar situations!

This site as helped me somewhat. If nt just to rule out things.
Please keep us posted!
Thank you.
Anna

[JCLingo]

Thank you so much for the link. I'm going there after I type this post to you.  My Mom was with me, as my husband was unable to get off of work (they are very strict where he works).  She was as upset as I regarding the prescription and didn't say much more about it.  I'm glad to know that it is not so uncommon to prescribe anti-depressants.  I'm still going to wait to see how I feel in a week or so, since as I said, I was pretty much symptom free BEFORE the test.  But I've had weeks of being fine and weeks of not being fine.  It is like a never ending cycle.  I haven't talked with him, he just told me to follow up in 6 weeks.  Up to me to call and make the appt. since he didn't make one with me at test time.  As far as I know he didn't take any tissue samples.  I was tested (blood test) for H Pylori last month and it was negative.  Maybe I need to call him, but I'll probably get his nurse.  I hope you get good news from your test.  Are you feeling better now from the scope?  Did it take you a few days to "get over it"?  I'm also, a what if kind of person and a nervous person in general, so maybe the anti-depressants aren't such a bad idea.  I'm on the way to check out that site now.  Thanks so much again.  Best of luck to you.

[nanci]

First, I want to give you this link.  It's another forum I frequent and the people there will talk about anti-depressiants.  Look for posts by GW.

http://www.heartburn-help.com/MessageBoard44/

Yes, I have heard about the link between GERD, gastritis, and anti-dep. so I don't think he's off track.  In fact, I'm tossing around whether or not I should consider the same thing.  Having stomach issues as we do and dealing with the constant pain and discomfort causes anxiety.  Thinking there is something terribly wrong when it's "only gastritis" as my doctor announced, can in itself cause anxiety.  Plus, if you're like me, I do alot of "what if's".

Did he take any tissue samples at all to rule out H-pylori?  That's what I'm waiting to hear.  Who was with you to take the information. I would assume you were pretty groggy and not really hearing what he had to say.  And have you had a chance to talk to the doctor directly?  What exactly does he want you to do for the discomfort you're still having.

And, as far as acute symptoms right now, it may be from the scope.  I would think by tomorrow or Wed you should be feeling better.

[JCLingo]

Also, as you, my symptoms seemed to return after the test.  I was symptom-free before the test.  I was experiencing some very LIGHT burning in my upper right chest the morning of the test. But the whole week before I was great.  Weird huh?

[JCLingo]

Thank you for asking Nanci.  I got good news and bad news.  The good news is that the scope was normal.  The bad news is that the only thing the gastro. dr. thought it could be was stress/nerves/anxiety causing the problem so he gave me a prescrip. for an anti-depressant.  I was VERY disappointed in this as I don't seem to think that is the cause of my problems at all. My job is non-stressful, I don't have children and my homelife with my husband is great.  I just didn't like his whole attitude.  He said he would do the PH Monitoring test "if I wanted..but he didn't see any reason to do it".  Can ya believe that?  How about letting ME make that decision, doc??  I was so mad when I left.  I was also very sick the morning after.  Had very watery diarrhea and nausea.  Still had the diarrhea yesterday morning w/a little nausea.  Ending up taking 2 doses of Pepto Bismol to stop the diarrhea.  No appetite.  I finally ate something solid Sat. evening.  A small plain baked potato.  And that even burned my upper right chest.  I just don't know.  Looks like it may be something I have to live with.  Maybe my body IS still adjusting from gallbladder surgery.  Now, I'm put off with the doctor and don't even know if I want to go back to him and have the PH test with his attitude like it is.  I still don't want to eat today.  I also seem to have this excess sinus drainage since the test also.  May have something to do with why I don't want anything to eat.  Have you ever heard of a gastro. doctor prescribing an anti-depressant for burning in the chest?????   I'm scared to take them and don't WANT to take them.  I feel like he totally brushed me off.  Going to a different gastro. dr. is difficult b/c I have to have a referral and his group are the only ones in town.  There are other gastro. docotrs, but they work with him.  So, I'm praying to the good Lord that he will heal me.  Looks like I'm on my own.  At least I have the piece of mind from the scope being normal.  Thanks again for asking.